3D Printing Technology

3D printing as the same name suggests prints objects in 3D format. The process creates an object by sequential addition of the material. Read the full story to know about it.

What is 3D Printing ?

The ink is printed in 2D format on a paper as base, with the written file from the computer as the input.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.

How it works

In 3D printing a number of 2D successive layers are printed on one base, one above the previous where each layer is equivalent of 2D ink printing, but adding the ink pattern differently in each layer.

3d printing technology

The ink is replaced just by the material of choice. The Breakthrough technology is first developed by the Chuck Hull.

Where it leads us into the Future.

As we know the versatility and broad application of this novel technology, this could be starting of a new era in manufacturing technology.

Even Forbes website predicts that by the end of 2016, the market could be more than $ 3 billion worldwide. 3d scanners use different technologies to generate a 3d model such as time-of-flight, structured / modulated light, volumetric scanning and many more.

It is predicted by some additive manufacturing advocates that this technological development will change the nature of commerce, because end users will be able to do much of their own manufacturing rather than engaging in trade to buy products from other people and corporations.

3D printers capable of outputting in colour and multiple materials already exist and will continue to improve to a point where functional products will be able to be output. With effects on energy use, waste reduction, customization, product availability, medicine, art, construction and sciences, 3D printing will change the manufacturing world as we know it.

Conclusion

The advantages of 3D printing technology is multi-fold. First of all they reduce the wastage of materials, which typically happen up to 90% of materials in manufacturing techniques in which the bulk material is broken down to get the desired product.

The process can print interlocking parts, complex geometric shapes highly bent structure with ease. Needless to say, this might bring a new era in manufacturing any kind of products.